Rongbuk Monastery

Rongbuk Monastery is located in the Shigatse Region, southwest of the mysterious Tibet Autonomous Region, and to the north of the oblate Mount Everest, the highest peak in the world. Seen from here, Mt. Everest appears like a lofty pyramid surrounded by mountains that touch the sky. On sunny days, a pile of thick clouds, just like a white flag floats lightly above the peak, which is known to be the miracle of 'The Highest Flag Cloud in the World'. Nowadays, with the golden travel boom to Mt. Everest, Rongbuk Monastery is gradually becoming a highlight for the tourists in its own right.

Rongbuk Monastery was built by a local lama in about 1899. The altitude is 5,000 m. (16,404.2 ft.) more or less, which is the highest among all the temples in the world. It is a five-tier building, but only 2 floors are in use now. In the frontispiece of the main hall, were sacrificed the statues of Sakyamuni and Geru Rinpoche. And the mural paintings inside are especially worthy of appreciation.

Monks and nuns live in the Rongbuk Monastery and celebrate the Buddhist festivals together. From 15th April of the Tibetan Calendar a Buddhist dancing ceremony is held here, which will last for three days. This is held to celebrate the birth of Sakyamuni, which is known as Saka Dawa Festival. During the play, many monks disguise themselves as Rabbis and dance many scenes one after another, and most scenes portray different characters and clothing. The noisy and special activity often attracts many local residents and visitors to the temple. Another Tibetan festival is held on 29th December of Tibetan Calendar to placate wandering ghosts, and monks wearing masks also perform this grand ceremony.

Walking forward from Rongbuk Monastery, you will see the famous Rongbuk Glacier Zone, which is the largest among all the hundreds of glaciers formed around the Mt. Everest. The three glaciers north of the Mt. Everest flow south and congregate at a river traversing the foot of Rongbuk Monastery. This is called 'Rongbuk River', and the water there is extremely cold.

Peaceful Couryard

Assembly Hall

Travel tips

Rongbuk Monastery is connected to Shigatse City and Lhasa by a road, so it is easy to get to those two beautiful cities from this location. Besides, visitors who decide to climb the Mt. Everest can also stay here at night. It is about 8 km. (4.97 mi.) to the Everest Base Camp and a good point to appreciate the scenery there at dawn and dark. In front of the monastery are a white pagoda and a Mani Stone pile, which are often selected as the foreground to take photographs of Mt. Everest. There is a guesthouse and a few hostels around. Each room can accommodate 4 – 5 people. There is also a small restaurant opened by a Tibetan, the prices there are a bit high, but we suggest you bargain with him with some simple English. Due to the disadvantaged location, you cannot expect too much from the conditions there.

How to get to Rongbuk Monastery from Lhasa

There is no public bus or train available, so visitors need to hire a local car. The fare is around CNY 1,500 - 2,000.

Entrance Fee

CNY 30

Opening Hours

9:00 - 16:00

- Last modified on Sep. 28, 2018 -

Q & A Search:

Questions & Answers on Rongbuk Monastery

Asked by Matteo from ITALY | Oct. 01, 2015 18:19Reply

Is it open the road from Shegar to Rongpuk? How during the transfer from Shegar to Rongpu?

Answers (1)

Answered by Wendy from THAILAND | Oct. 08, 2015 03:05

10Reply

Yes, the road is open, but there is no public transportation service. The only way to hire a private car.

Asked by Louise from CANADA | Jun. 11, 2015 06:52Reply

How long does it take to get from Lhasa to the Rongbuk monastery?

Also I heard you can stay in the guest house there. Does the travel agency book that? Thanks

Answers (1)

Answered by Milly from UNITED KINGDOM | Jun. 13, 2015 04:17

20Reply

Generally speaking, the duration is 14 to 15 hours. Yes, you can stay in the guest house inside the monastery. Actually, all foreigners need to join a group organized by a qualified agency to enter Tibet and the agency will handle the accommodation for you.

Asked by Angela Morton from SOUTH AFRICA | Apr. 15, 2013 10:08Reply

Is there anywhere at the Rongbuk Monastery Guesthouse to have a wash/shower in Tibet? Or running water?

Answers (1)

Answered by Ella from SINGAPORE | Apr. 19, 2013 04:07

20Reply

I heard it is a little hard to find a place to have a shower there.

Asked by Bea from SPAIN | Mar. 11, 2013 06:03Reply

How much is the Rongbuk Monastery admission fee and which are the opening hours in Tibet?

Thanks in advance

Answers (1)

Answered by Jimmy from PHILIPPINES | Mar. 12, 2013 22:33

00Reply

The fare is around 35RMB, andI heard it from one of my friend. It opens all the day.